2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross often boils down to balancing capability against initial cost. The Forester starts higher at $29,995 compared to the Corolla Cross's appealing $24,135 MSRP, representing a significant $5,860 price gap right off the bat. However, that extra investment in the Forester buys you more power, delivering 180 horsepower versus the Corolla Cross's 169 hp. Furthermore, Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a major advantage for foul weather, contrasting with the standard FWD setup on the Toyota, though the Corolla Cross nets slightly better efficiency at 32 MPG combined versus the Forester's 29 MPG. Dimensionally, the Forester is larger at 183.3 inches long and offers superior utility with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space against the Corolla Cross's 24 cubic feet, making it the more robust choice for hauling gear.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 32 MPG combined and lower entry price.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester is better suited for families needing space, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester appeals more to enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive capability and higher torque output of 178 lb-ft.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides strong efficiency and a much lower starting MSRP of $24,135, making it the better baseline value proposition.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You frequently face adverse weather and require standard All-Wheel Drive for confidence.
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the Forester provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer more immediate power, benefiting from the Forester's 180 horsepower rating.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is a priority, thanks to its $24,135 MSRP.
- Maximizing fuel savings is key, as it achieves a better 32 MPG combined rating.
- You primarily drive in clear conditions and prioritize maneuverability with its shorter 176.1-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 176.1" |
| Width | 72.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 68.1" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R H | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How much more does the 2025 Subaru Forester cost than the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The 2025 Subaru Forester has a higher starting MSRP of $29,995, which is $5,860 more expensive than the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross starting at $24,135.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
The Toyota Corolla Cross has a slight edge in efficiency, posting 33 MPG Highway compared to the Subaru Forester's 33 MPG Highway, but the Corolla Cross has better combined mileage at 32 MPG.
Does the standard drivetrain setup differ significantly between these crossovers?
Yes, the Subaru Forester comes standard with Subaru's renowned All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base Toyota Corolla Cross is equipped with Front Wheel Drive.
If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover provides more utility?
The Forester offers significantly more cargo space, boasting 29.6 cubic feet, which beats the Corolla Cross's 24 cubic feet capacity.
How do the engine outputs compare on paper?
The Forester has a power advantage with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the Corolla Cross produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
Are these vehicles similarly sized, or is one clearly larger?
The Forester is noticeably larger; it is 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches tall, while the Corolla Cross is shorter at 176.1 inches in length and 64.9 inches in height.
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